Designing sustainable and place-based accommodation requires rethinking tourism as a system that respects people, place, and planet. Within the Epic dvöl framework, sustainability goes far beyond eco-labels or low-impact construction. It embraces a holistic approach where design, environment, culture, and community are intrinsically connected.
A core principle is the reuse of existing buildings—such as abandoned schools, rural homes, historic village houses, or old farmhouses. Adaptive reuse preserves local heritage, prevents dereliction, and significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with new construction and land consumption. These buildings already belong to the landscape and carry stories that enrich the guest experience.
Material choices further strengthen the sense of place. Using local, recycled, or low-impact materials minimises environmental footprint while supporting local supply chains, traditional skills, and craftsmanship. For guests, this creates a deeper connection to the destination—where accommodation reflects local identity rather than global uniformity.
Applying bioclimatic and passive design principles is essential to long-term sustainability. Natural ventilation, solar orientation, thermal mass, shading, and insulation ensure year-round comfort while reducing reliance on energy-intensive systems. These strategies are particularly effective in rural and historic contexts, where buildings can work with the climate rather than against it.
Epic Stays also promotes flexible and multi-functional spaces. Accommodation that can host workshops, community events, cultural activities, or seasonal uses becomes more resilient over time. This adaptability strengthens business viability while adding social value beyond tourism alone.
Respecting the carrying capacity of a location is critical. Place-based accommodation must align with local infrastructure—transport, water, waste, and energy—so tourism remains a benefit rather than a burden. Scaling appropriately helps prevent overcrowding and protects both community wellbeing and visitor experience.
When accommodation integrates local food producers, artisans, guides, and services, it becomes a catalyst for regenerating local value chains. Tourism income circulates locally, strengthening rural economies and encouraging young people to remain or return to their communities.
Finally, community-based hospitality models, such as cooperatives or village-based accommodation systems, embed tourism within the local social fabric. These approaches distribute economic benefits more fairly, preserve cultural identity, and foster shared ownership of tourism development.
In the Epic Stays vision, sustainable and place-based accommodation blends into its surroundings, reflects local culture, and contributes positively to its host community. Tourism becomes not an extractive activity, but a regenerative force—supporting heritage, livelihoods, and landscapes for the long term.
Written by
Angela Maria Loporchio
Visit Monti Dauni
http://www.visitmontidauni.it/
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